cis-apache24-5-10

name	cis-apache24-5.10
description	Ensure Access to .ht* Files Is Restricted
category	cis-apache
version	2.3.0
author	cyberstrike-official
tags	["cis","apache","linux","features","content","options"]
cis_id	5.10
cis_benchmark	CIS Apache HTTP Server 2.4 Benchmark v2.3.0
tech_stack	["linux","apache"]
cwe_ids	[]
chains_with	[]
prerequisites	[]
severity_boost	{}

Ensure Access to .ht* Files Is Restricted (Automated)

Profile Applicability

Level 1

Description

Restrict access to any files beginning with .ht using the FilesMatch directive.

Rationale

The default name for access filename which allows files in web directories to override the Apache configuration is .htaccess. The usage of access files should not be allowed, but as a defense in depth a FilesMatch directive is recommended to prevent web clients from viewing those files in case they are created. Also a common name for web password and group files are .htpasswd and .htgroup. Neither of these files should be placed in the document root, but, in the event they are, the FilesMatch directive can be used to prevent them from being viewed by web clients.

Impact

.ht* files are not accessible.

Audit Procedure

Perform the following steps to determine if the recommended state is implemented:

Verify that a FilesMatch directive similar to the one below is present in the apache configuration and not commented out. The deprecated Deny from All directive may be used instead of the Require directive.

<FilesMatch "^\.ht">
    Require all denied
</FilesMatch>

Remediation

Perform the following to implement the recommended state:

Add or modify the following lines in the Apache configuration file at the server configuration level.

<FilesMatch "^\.ht">
    Require all denied
</FilesMatch>

Default Value

.ht* files are not accessible.

References

1. https://httpd.apache.org/docs/2.4/mod/core.html#filesmatch

CIS Controls

v8:

• 9.4 Restrict Unnecessary or Unauthorized Browser and Email Client Extensions
  • Restrict, either through uninstalling or disabling, any unauthorized or unnecessary browser or email client plugins, extensions, and add-on applications.

v7:

• 18.2 Ensure Explicit Error Checking is Performed for All In-house Developed Software
  • For in-house developed software, ensure that explicit error checking is performed and documented for all input, including for size, data type, and acceptable ranges or formats.